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Macworld Digital Photography Superguide, Third Edition
Learn everything you need to know about digital photography from the experts at Macworld!
Hey, What's This? If you're familiar with our ebooks, you've probably noticed that this one is different. It was written by our friends (some of whom also write for Take Control) at Macworld. Since they did a great job, we saw no reason to do something similar, so we're selling their ebook next to ours.
The Macworld Digital Photography Superguide, Third Edition is bursting with the latest insight and advice for every aspect of digital photography on the Mac:
If you're shopping for a new camera, you'll find useful, up-to-date guidelines for picking the right one for your needs.
Once you have a camera, this book will help you take better pictures with shooting tips and tricks from professional photographers.
As your photo collection grows, use this book to stay organized and to bring out the best in your images with iPhoto '09, including using iPhoto '09's newest features, like face recognition and GPS support.
You'll also find tips to help you print your pictures yourself, scan old negatives and slides, get the best results from an online photo service, back up your photos, have fun with unusual photo projects, make Web galleries, and more.
More Info
Contents & Intro
FAQ
Blog
Read this ebook to learn the answers to questions such as:
Why would I use my camera's flash when shooting in sunlight?
What do I need to know about shooting in RAW?
What service offers the best quality prints for my money?
How should I back up my irreplaceable photographs?
Why don't my photos print well on my home printer?
How can I go beyond iPhoto's editing capabilities?
We encourage you to download the free 22-page sample to see what it looks like, since it is rather different from our Take Control design. If you plan to print, print a few test pages from the sample first in case you wish to consider Macworld's $24.99 print version, which has higher-resolution images than are feasible in an ebook.
Book Info
136 pages
Version 3.0
Updated 13-Aug-09
7.8 MB download
ISBN: 0982262132
Free sample with Table of Contents, Introduction, Quick Start, and section starts.
About the Authors
The Macworld Digital Photography Superguide was written by Christopher Breen, Jeff Carlson, Robert Ellis, James Galbraith, Amit Gupta, Jim Heid, Kelly Jensen, Joe Kissell, Ted Landau, Rick LePage, Ben Long, Derrick Story, and Jennifer Wills.
Eight years ago, my wife and I were expecting our first child. During one of our weekend walks around town together, we debated the latest crazy technology purchase I was advocating: a digital camera. I was worried about the cost of printing photos compared with getting prints made at the local drugstore. We were both worried about image quality and, of course, the cost of the camera.
A lot has changed in my life in the intervening years—and not just the typical parent stuff. These days, my family and I live in a nearly all-digital world. In fact, I'm astonished when I discover someone taking snapshots with a film camera, as if I'm watching a woolly mammoth stumble out of the forest looking for food. Our carefully calculated cost analysis of ordering prints from a photo-printing service versus our local drugstore is almost laughable now, since we've all but stopped ordering prints anywhere, opting instead for Web photo galleries and semiannual photo books. And my kids have never known the long, painful wait between hearing that shutter snap and seeing the results.
My point is this: in less than a decade the world of photography has transformed completely. Today's cameras and photo software use impressive technology to give us staggering flexibility and quality. But all of that power comes at a price. Sometimes these devices and programs aren't as easy to use as they could be. And beyond that, photography is still as much about art as science: someone who tends to take awful pictures can do it just as easily on a $1,000 digital SLR as they did on an old 35-millimeter film camera.
That's why Macworld writes about digital photography on a regular basis—to provide tips, tricks, and advice that help you get the most out of your camera and your digital photo library. And that's why we've created this book—to collect everything we've learned about digital photography, make sure it's up-to-date, and give it to you in one easy package. Whether you're shopping for a new camera, aching for tips on shooting better photos, trying to come to grips with a massive (and ever-growing) library of photos, or simply interested in using software tools to make your photos look their best, our team of digital photography specialists have assembled this book to provide you with the expert advice you need.
As for that walk my wife and I took all those years ago, obviously, we did finally decide to buy that digital camera. What pushed me over the edge? I didn't want to have to take photos of our new baby, run them to the one-hour photo lab, and then scan them in to my Mac so I could email them to our far-flung families.
We made the right decision. Every photo I've taken since then is in my photo library on my Mac at home. I wouldn't have it any other way.
—Jason Snell, Editorial Director, Macworld
San Francisco, July 2009
Table of Contents
How to Buy a Digital Camera
What Type of Camera Is Right for You?
Before you start shopping for features, narrow your search to the right class of camera.
How Many Pixels Do You Really Need?
When it comes to your camera's resolution, more pixels isn't always better.
Which Features Make a Difference?
See which bells and whistles help you take better photos—and which are just unnecessary fluff.
Upgrading Your SLR's Lens
Before you buy a new lens for your SLR, learn what to look for.
Take Better Photos
Understanding Your Camera's Controls
Learn how the different parts of your camera work together to ensure a good shot.
Taking Control of Your Flash
Want to take great portraits and party photos? The secret lies in understanding your flash modes.
Photographing Motion
When photographing cars, waterfalls, and other moving subjects, a little blur can be your best friend.
Troubleshooting Difficult Shots
Tired of disappointing shots? Find the simple solutions to common photo challenges.
Shooting Infrared Photos
Your eyes can't see infrared light, but with the right equipment, your camera probably can.
Choosing to Shoot in Raw
Some cameras offer a Raw mode that gives you greater freedom when shooting and editing. But it's not ideal for every situation.
Scan Prints and Negatives
Selecting a Scanner
How to find the right scanner for the task.
Building Your Workflow
Scanning photos isn't quick, but it doesn't have to become a second job. Just follow these steps.
Managing Your Photos
Upload Photos
Get photos off of your camera the smart way.
Navigate Your Library
Learn how to take control of iPhoto's Events pane, which organizes your photos around life's ativities.
Identify Faces
Help iPhoto spot the people in your photos.
Map Your Photos
Tag your photos with location data to show where you were when you snapped the shot.
Add Other Custom Information
Nobody knows your photos like you do. So spend a little time adding valuable details such as ratings.
Find Photos Fast
Unlock the hidden powers of iPhoto's search tools.
How to Bring Out the Best in Your Photos
Calibrate Your System
Before you edit, make sure you can trust what you see on screen.
Set Up Your Workspace
Feeling cramped? Go full-screen in iPhoto.
Fix Common Problems
iPhoto makes it easy to diagnose and correct image problems such as crooked images and red-eye.
Correct Bad Color and Lighting
The secret to fixing color problems lies in learning to read the Adjust panel's histogram.
When iPhoto Isn't Enough
For truly troubled photos, iPhoto makes it easy to incorporate an external image editor into your routine.
3 Fun iPhoto Add-ons
From comic books to panoramas, these inexpensive programs let you do more with your images.
Printing Your Photos
Buying a Photo Printer
Turn your Mac into a photo printing studio.
Printing from iPhoto
There's more to printing than just pressing 1-P. Unlock iPhoto's secret features for creating beautiful prints.
Solving Common Printing Problems
Use these troubleshooting tips to avoid the most common problems when putting ink to paper.
Printing on Unusual Media
There's a world of alternative papers. We break down the options and show you how to get the best results.
Using an Online Printing Service
Let someone else do the grunt work for you.
Fun Photo Projects
Create Books, Calendars, and Cards
You don't have to leave iPhoto to create beautiful photo projects.
Turn Photos into Posters
For photos that really impress, think big.
Build a Better Slide Show
Put your favorite images into motion.
Create an Online Gallery
To quickly share your snapshots, skip the paper entirely and post your photos online.
DIY Photo Crafts
Turn your favorite images into candleholders, ornaments, or coloring pages.
10 Great Photo Gifts
You can put your photos on just about anything. We share a few of our favorite options.
Protect Your Photos
Prevent Potential Disasters
Simple strategies that can help you avert the accidental loss of your photos.
Develop a Backup Plan
We'll show you how to back up your photo collection and preserve those digital memories.
Back Up Photos While on the Road
There's plenty you can do to protect your photos while away from your computer.
Ask a Question
Feel free to ask us if you have a question about this book!
Send Us Your Comments!
How could we not publish such kind words? If you'd like to send us your comments (good or bad, though we hope they're all good), just click the Feedback link on the cover of your copy of the ebook. Be sure to let us know if we can publish your comment. Thanks!
If you're shopping for a new camera, you'll find useful, up-to-date guidelines for picking the right one for your needs. And if you already have a digital SLR, you'll find advice on buying new lenses.
Once you have a camera, this book will help you take better pictures with shooting tips and tricks from professional photographers.
As your photo collection grows, use this book to stay organized and to bring out the best in your images with iPhoto '09, including using iPhoto '09's newest features, like face recognition and geotag support.
You'll also find tips to help you print your pictures yourself, scan old negatives and slides, get the best results from an online photo service, back up your photos, have fun with unusual photo projects, make Web galleries, and more.
If you already own the first or second edition of this ebook and agreed to be contacted when you placed your order, look in your email for an update notice with either a download link to a free copy (for those who purchased in 2009) or a $3 discount. If it didn't arrive, drop us a note and we'll send you the details.
